As we all know (and feel) Fall coming, I can hear all of your sighs – but let me lay out the silver lining. Summer sings songs of beach beers, bike rides and salty water, but let’s not forget about all that Autumn has to offer. Sunset coloured leaves, the return of your favourite TV series and the opportunity to explore Vancouver’s up-and-coming brewery scene. Not only do all of these local beer hangouts offer great food, music and atmosphere – lots of them have craft beer too! Piggybacking off of Seattle’s craft beer-hype, Vancouver actually has something to rave about.
Let me tell you about some of my favourite spots!
I want to tell you a little bit about Parallel 49. No I’m not talking about the delicious donuts on W4th, I’m talking about the bright bottled, wide range of beers with names like “Filthy Dirty” and “Wobbly Pop.” Parallel 49 also has a tasting room, a beer store and a delicious street food menu. Pop by, try the “mom’s cookies” and appreciate the taste of East Van born and brewed beer!
This is where you want to go for a good instagram picture, 33 Acres has a beautiful interior, with a really cool lounge section. My favourite beer is their “33 Acres of Sunshine,” but they have a wide range of options. 33 Acres has a number of healthy menu options and is a great spot for a lunch-and-beer Friday afternoon meeting! Don’t forget to buy your “B33R” shirt.
If you make your way over to Whistler, HandleBar is a must-stop. They have a really cool atmosphere where they host events, live music and most importantly serve great beer. While HandleBar isn’t a brewery, they made the list because they have a huge collection of local craft beer. Don’t stop at the beer, the food is great too – I suggest the hot pretzel and nutella… I’m obsessed!!
Next stop – Strathcona Beer Company. This is your one-stop-spot in the strathcona neighbourhood. Strathcona participates in a number of events in the community supporting art, music, culture and design. My favourites are the Cherry High and the Blackberry – partially because the beer is delicious and additionally because the cans are adorable.
Don’t be fooled by the name, Strange Fellows Brewing is far from “strange,” their beer is truly delicious. Not only do they have beautiful artwork on their bottles, they also offer a wide selection of curated beer – which you can enjoy canned, on tap or even in growlers. The brewery and tasting room is open seven days a week, so you have no excuse not to give it a try.
So let’s agree to cheers to a great summer and cheers to having a great fall. Let’s clink glasses at 33 Acres and share a pretzel at HandleBar. Autumn gives us an excuse to find shelter from the rain in these great local spots and taste the flavours of one of Vancouver’s fastest growing industries while you’re at it.
**Giveaway**
So, I think you deserve a refreshment after all this reading… what do you think?
TO ENTER: Tell us which beer you want to try from one of the companies above, for a chance to win a $150 gift card to HandleBar! Please include your email address as well.
HandleBar, formally known as HandleBar Cafe and Apres ski is a hot spot in Whistlers Upper Village, and was opened by two Whistler locals to celebrate the true crafrt beer lover. Owners Jonny Law and Andre Charland felt that Whistler needed a place where locals, and those who want to hang out with locals, could have some really great craft beer, stuff people may not be able to find everywhere else. Stop by to enjoy a selection of local and international craft beers on tap.
Happy laughing, drinking and exploring!
xx n
Contest is now CLOSED, congratulations to Louis!
**Contest Rules & Regulations**
The winner agrees to abide by the rules and regulations outlined here http://www.jrfm.com/contestrules/ for pick up at #300-1401 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V6H 1C9. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm.
All prizes must be claimed within 60 days at the offices of CJJR-FM and are non-transferable. After 60 days, prize becomes the property of CJJR-FM, to do with as it may determine, including awarding it to another contestant, and CJJR-FM shall be released and discharged from any liability or responsibility in this regard.
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